Park University’s Annual International Festival Set for Oct. 17

Park University's Annual International Festival Set for Oct. 17

Sept. 22, 2025 - Park University's Office of International Educationwill host its annual International Festival on Friday, Oct. 17, from 5 to 9 p.m. on the University Front Lawn and inside Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel. Admission to the festival is free and open to the public.

Traditionally held indoors in November as part of International Education Week, this year's International Festival has been moved up a month to take advantage of fall weather. The event includes information booths, performances, cultural activities and fashion shows featuring countries around the globe, with Park international students representing their native countries and sharing the unique and diverse characteristics of their homeland. In all, the University boasts approximately 500 students from 66 countries.

Coinciding with the information booths and various activities held from 5-7 p.m., an international buffet featuring food from every continent will also be served. The price for the buffet is $18 for the public; Park students and employees on a meal plan can eat free with their Park ID. (Rain location is Thompson Commons).

Cultural performances and fashion shows featuring students from at least 15 countries will begin at 7 p.m. in the Chapel. In addition, Grupo Folklorico Alma Tapatia, a passionate dance group based in Kansas City dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Mexico will perform.

For more information about the event, contact Catherine Geehan, associate director for international education, at [email protected]/ (816) 584-6857.